Big Sky Outdoor News & Adventure » ARCHERY

Indoor Archery Shoot – Bearpaw Bowmen – Feb. 11 & 12th

bigskyoutdoornews — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:27:05 +0000

INDOOR ARCHERY SHOOT 2012

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
FEBRUARY 11TH & 12TH, 2012
HAVRE HOLIDAY VILLAGE MALL
SHOOTING LANES
(USE WHALEN TIRE ENTRANCE)

FREESTYLE – UNLIMITED- LIMITED- BAREBOW- RECURVE- LONGBOW
NO BROADHEADS – NO RANGEFINDERS

Thanks,
Clyde R Thomas Jr, President
406-265-4572
www.bearpawbowmen.com

BEARPAW BOWMEN INDOOR ARCHERY SHOOT December 17 – 18 , 2011

bigskyoutdoornews — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:54:14 +0000

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
December 17 – 18 , 2011
HAVRE HOLIDAY VILLAGE MALL SHOOTING LANES (USE WHALEN TIRE ENTRANCE)

FREESTYLE – UNLIMITED- LIMITED- BAREBOW- RECURVE- LONGBOW
NO BROADHEADS – NO RANGEFINDERS

Thanks,
Clyde R Thomas Jr, Owner
Western Trailer & Marine Sales, LLC.
406-265-4572

Guerilla Game Changer- Onza 3- “If this scuffed up vet can shoot it, anybody can!”

bigskyoutdoornews — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 14:24:31 +0000

Guerilla Game Changer- Onza 3- “If this scuffed up vet can shoot it, anybody can!”

During my time as a player with the 3rd Ranger battalion in the United States Army my body was subjected to abuse and a few fairly severe injuries. Many of these, I have to admit, were the result of playing much too hard in my off time, with only a handful of

these injuries and lasting “handicaps” actually being work or mission related. (It is worth noting at this point, that I wouldn’t do any of it differently if given the option.) One injury in particular that has plagued my outdoor career is a laceration that I sustained to my right arm that severed not only the medial artery but the ulnar nerve as well. Upon my arrival to surgery after being stabilized by medics, I was told by surgeons that the damage could not effectively be repaired and that they would like to amputate. I respectfully asked the surgeons to please look at my training jacket prior to making any decisions. I suggested that they take under special consideration my expertise with explosives and long range precision marksmanship before cutting off any substantial pieces of my person that I may miss or want to use later. It was, of course, a hollow threat and the only time during my service to this country that I was openly insubordinate. This fact did not make the statement any less effective and I was very happy to wake up 7 hours and 8 units of blood later with my favorite arm still attached. The very same doctors took this opportunity to inform me that the very best case scenario was that all I could expect from this arm was that it would atrophy and be of little use to me the remainder of my life. To this day I don’t know if these doctors needed a confidence boost (not likely with doctors in my experience) or if they knew that by saying these things to an army Ranger they were guaranteeing that I would set out with obsessed determination down the long and painful road to being whole again. Though I am very proud of these victories in the face of adversity (something I could never have done without the values instilled in me by my fellow soldiers) the point of this story is not to brag. It is to better illustrate the limitations that the resulting nerve damage/loss of sensation and blood flow has obviously placed on my shooting.

When I contacted Terry Martin of Martin Archery, I gave a shortened version of the above story and asked him if he had anything that may help given my limitations and the fact that no matter how bad I want to be, I will never be a world class archer. He was kind enough to take a minute out of his very busy schedule for a quick conversation in which he suggested that in my case the Onza would be the way to go. I took his suggestion and we got a 70 pound Onza en route.

Over the course of my professional outdoorsman career I have had the opportunity to shoot a few different, very well made bows and the result has always been the same. Making me realize that I am not and won’t be a great shot and making it very necessary, over the years, for me o hone my skills with regard to stealth. As I looked harder at the reviews of this bow and claims made by its manufacturer, I kept seeing one thing that stood out. That it was supposed to be easy to shoot. I read this and took it with a grain of salt as far as my shooting was concerned. While I was sure that it was going to be well made and was sure to do what they said for the average shooter, I knew that the limitations imposed by me, would be what I would have to be prepared to forgive, as always.

When the bow arrived I was a little surprised at some of the gizmos, both with how they looked as well as how they were attached to the bow. In fact what I said when I saw the setup was exactly the same thing my bow tech said (who shall remain nameless because he is actually a staunch supporter and dealer of another company) an admittedly skeptical “Interesting”. I told him that I understood that his allegiance lie elsewhere and asked him to, even if under duress give me his honest opinion after tuning and shooting the thing when I arrived the next day to pick it up.

When I arrived the next day and asked how it went, the look on this gentleman’s face told me that I would have to be returning the bow to Mr. Martin because something was terribly wrong and I was unwilling to give a bad gear review to someone who had been so cool to me. (Rare for the Guerilla – just ask well-known fly fishing product company Redington. Sorry, Redington, but your waders are poop.) I asked hesitantly “Well, what do you think?” The very knowledgeable gentleman said quietly and half disgusted “I like it.”

After only a few shots I could tell that for the first time in my shooting career something was different and that what the good people of Martin Archery were saying was true (something I didn’t doubt) and that the statement would also apply to this beat up old paratrooper (something about which, I was, understandably, skeptical). I can’t describe, adequately, with human words how excited I am about the benefits of using this bow for someone like me. Forgiving doesn’t even begin to cover it. And smooth and fast to top it off? I didn’t think this was even possible. As I said before I had come to understand and accept my shooting limitations and in fact wearing them, if you will, as a badge of honor. What has been an amazing and unforgettable ride, an era of sorts, is apparently over and I am starting a new chapter as a bow hunter who, with the help of Terry Martin and everybody who works on his amazing team, will have to add “being able to actually shoot a bow” to my very full bag of tricks. Thanks guys this means more to this “killer” than you know! Oh yeah, I hope you weren’t planning on letting anybody else use this bow, because I can guarantee that you are not getting it back! I will keep you posted this season on the numerous impressive kills I am sure to make, with the help of this wonderful weapon. There will be a lot more to come!

Travis R. De Boer
A.K.A. Head Guerrilla in Charge
“Grateful, professional outdoorsman”
www.GuerillaGuideService.com

13th Annual Bear Paw Bowmen 2 Day Archery Shoot

bigskyoutdoornews — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 16:03:40 +0000

Five Valley’s Archery Club announces our Spring Cleaning Day

bigskyoutdoornews — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:59:38 +0000

Five Valley’s Archery Club announces our Spring Cleaning Day!

There are many improvements that we are making to the range and we would like your help!

Sunday March 14, 2010
9am – ???

Everyone is welcome, young or old, member or not. There is something to do for everyone.
Bring your friends, help out, have lunch, and later when the work is done you are welcome to shoot!

Send us an email if you have any questions fvac@live.com or visit or website www.fivevalleysarchery.webs.com

Online Bowhunter Education Available to Adults

bigskyoutdoornews — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:20:24 +0000

Online Bowhunter Education Available to Adults – MFWP

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks now offers bowhunter education on the Internet to anyone 18 years and older.

State law says all first time bowhunters must take a bowhunter education course. The online course, which costs $20, is a chance for an adult to take the course at his, or her, convenience.

All students, whether taking the course in a classroom setting or online, must take a field course to receive their certification card.

For online students in FWP’s Region 4, three field days have been set: May 1, June 19 and July31.

Registration is only available on the Internet to those who successfully complete the online course, and space is limited. For more information on the online course and field course times and locations, go to the FWP website, www.fwp.mt.gov, and click on Education

“FOUL WEATHER” SHOOT FEBRUARY 21st Sponsored By The Lewis & Clark Archers

bigskyoutdoornews — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 21:37:18 +0000

“FOUL WEATHER” SHOOT
FEBRUARY 21st
HELENA AT THE Z BAR Z SHOOTING CLAYs
Hosted by Lewis & Clark Archers
30 – 40 3-D Rhinehart TARGETS!
Registration is from 8:00 am to 10:00 am

All shooters must be finished by 3:30 (NO EXCEPTIONS)

Food and concessions will be available
Dress for snowy and icy conditions

Fees: 12 and under $ 5.00 Couples $25.00
13 to 17 $10.00 Family $30.00
17 and over $15.00 Mulligans 2 for $5
includes 1 raffle ticket

Absolutely no rangefinders or alcohol Binoculars OK

Scoring: One arrow per target – 10 (heart), 8 (kill), 5 (wound)
Awards will be given in all classes

Please follow parking signs to designated parking area
Directions: Z-Z sporting clays range the corner of Lincoln road & Birdseye road

Questions: call Brent Ricks 227-7243, Lesley Bergman 439-5146 or Paul Cartin 439-2058
Or check out our website www.lewisandclarkarchers.com

LOOK FOR THE BOW HUNTERS RENDAVOUS AUGUST 1, 2010

Late Season Whitetail Hunting

bigskyoutdoornews — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:46:22 +0000

Late Season Whitetail Hunting – By Brodie Swisher
As we make our way to the end of the year, it’s hard to believe another hunting season has come and nearly gone again. Time does indeed fly when you’re chasing big game in Montana! However, ample deer hunting opportunity awaits those who didn’t quite get their fix. Or for anyone interested in putting a little more meat in the freezer. The late season can be a tough time to be in the woods. Temperatures tend to be at the lowest point of the year, making your time in the treestand or groundblind a test of endurance. However, for those willing to tough it out, the late season can provide some of the most exciting hunting of the year.
As they do a number of times throughout the hunting season, deer travel patterns can change quickly in the late season. The month of November was spent watching big bucks run into and out of our lives as they anxiously searched for receptive does. The rut can be a tough time to count on any consistency in the herd. But when the late season rolls around, deer tend to settle down in to a more patternable routine. Those big bucks transition from sex-drive to survival mode as they once again focus on food sources.
As for the Post Rut phase, you will often find the big bucks somewhat scarce once again. But you can bet if they come across a hot doe, they’ll come alive. Watch for the bucks that are back on their feet and looking for does to be making signs near doe bedding areas. Look for those scrapes that have been neglected to once again become active. This particular phase leaves a pretty small window of opportunity, so if you find the sign of an active buck, you need to make your move quickly.
A Second Rut???
There tends to be an ongoing debate amongst deer hunters as to the validity of the “second rut.” The bottom line is, not all does are the same. Remember, you have does of varying ages out there and they won’t all cycle at the same time. You’ll have the early-does that may come into estrus and are bred as early as mid-October, but this isn’t the norm. More often, the does are bred in mid-November. However, keep in mind, any unbred does will likely cycle again in another 28 days following their initial estrous cycle. Younger does and fawns will often cycle late as well. I watched a buck mount a doe fawn in the middle of January a couple seasons ago. The buck showed no interest in the fawn’s mother that was standing at the edge of the field watching the show. I would assume the mother-doe had been bred a month or two earlier and that her late bloomer daughter-doe had just reached her first cycle. As previously mentioned, any buck that gets a whiff of a hot doe…be it November, December, or January…will be on the prowl.
The B-Tag Option
Ample opportunities await the bowhunter that is willing to invest in the purchase of Deer B licenses. What is the Deer B license? “A deer B license is usually a license for antlerless mule deer or white-tailed deer, depending on the license type and hunting district. The deer B license allows you to kill a deer in addition to the deer you could harvest with your deer A license. There is no particular order in which the A and B licenses must be purchased or used. Most deer B license are available through the June 1st special drawing but some are available for purchase at License Providers, including FWP Online Licensing. A hunter may possess a total of only seven Deer B licenses in any combination.” (Montana Hunting Regulations – pg. 23)
The river-bottoms and areas in and around Missoula and Ravalli counties are home to some great whitetail deer populations. While much of the land in these areas is private, prime hunting opportunities await the hunter willing to make the effort to secure hunting permission and to help landowners manage the buck-to-doe ratio on their land. The 260-10 tag is the B license of choice for these areas. According to the MT hunting regulations, the 260-10 license is an over-the-counter B license for hunting with archery equipment only. The tag is valid in HD’s 204, 240, 250, 260, 261, 270, and 283. Up to five 260-10 Antlerless White-tailed Deer B Licenses per hunter. Valid September 5th – January 15th. (See MT Hunting Regulations Pg. 45 for more information)

Brodie Swisher With Whitetail

Deer hunting in the late season can either be feast or famine depending on your access to food sources preferred by the deer in your area. Find the food and you’ll find the deer. Stands placed along agriculture fields can be a prime perch to watch the action as deer pour into the fields to feed. Also, look for suitable stand locations on travel routes to and from feeding areas. These travel trails will be important as hunting pressure often causes deer to avoid showing up in the fields until after dark.
The key to making smooth transitions through the changing seasons is to use your head. Think like a deer. What food is available, what particular food source are deer using right now, where are the bedding areas, and one of the most important, what trails and travel routes are deer taking to get from Point A to Point B? Stay mobile and ready to move at a moments notice and you’ll be on your way to some late season success.

Brodie Swisher is a world champion game caller, outdoor writer, and seminar speaker. Check out his website at www.BroOutdoors.com.

Montana Bowhunter’s Assoc. Convention

bigskyoutdoornews — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:36:30 +0000

MBA 2010 Convention
March 5-7, 2010 in Billings, Mont.
Mark your calendars now so you don’t miss out – March 5-7, 2010 the MBA Convention will be held in Billings.

Ernie McKenzie is in charge of getting this convention organized. If anyone in the Billings area would like to volunteer, we certainly would appreciate any help. Please contact Ernie by phone at 406-656-2244 or e-mail him, and he can let you know what needs to be taken care of to help make this year’s convention a success.